Questionnaire for Brompton users - please help

Hello,

My name is Elliot. I am doing a project for Brompton Cycles to develop a multitool to attach to there bikes. If any of you have time would you please fill out a questionnaire for me, it is vital research in the development of the product.

Please copy and paste the questionnaire into your reply and fill it out:

S2L-X
1 year
flat tire on the back wheel and I'll call someone to pick me up. I could change the tube but don't want to deal with it on the road. (I do on my road or cross bikes no problem).
15 mm wrench--I own one all of my own
Because of above I don't even carry tools.
I get puncture seldom--I run the Marathons.
I hope that helps.

I always wondered why a flat on the back of a Brompton is such a big deal? I can see that taking the rear wheel off would be a pain, but I very rarely bother taking the wheel off any of my bikes when I'm fixing a flat - I just get the tube out, find the hole and patch it, put the tube back in - and off you go.. No big deal.

I always wondered why a flat on the back of a Brompton is such a big deal? I can see that taking the rear wheel off would be a pain, but I very rarely bother taking the wheel off any of my bikes when I'm fixing a flat - I just get the tube out, find the hole and patch it, put the tube back in - and off you go.. No big deal.

1. Because Marathons can be a PITA to even get off the rim without more leverage than normal.
2. Because working around the fender can be a pain.
3. Because the tube can have multiple holes, so changing out the entire tube is sometimes the best solution.

Q. Which Brompton model number do you currently own? E.g. M-type... M2L-X

L6

Q. How long for? Please indicate with a X...

• 2-5 years

Q. What problems or breakdowns have you had with your Brompton cycle?

- Broken spokes in the rear wheel.
- Poor foam grips which tore after a week of use.
- Excruciating saddle.
- Cracks around the pedal bolt of the folding pedal.
- Non-standard cable heads for brakes.
- Poor to non-existent performance of the wheel built onto the rear fender.
- Different sized nuts used for the saddle rails, front hub, and rear hub.

Q. Did you own the tools to fix these problems?

Yes. I carry my own mini-socket wrench set and a small Crescent wrench just in case. This is in addition to hex keys.

Q. If you did, did you carry them on your bike in case of emergency break downs?

Not at the time, and that's when I learned my lesson.

One time the left folding pedal became loose. I did not have the tool to tighten it so I had to walk home. What size head is on that bolt anyway? 19 - 20mm? It's ridiculously large. Why don't you just use a hex head instead?

Another time the nuts on the saddle pin came loose and I had to ride home standing up while holding my saddle in one hand. Red loctite fixed that noise.

Q. Do you perform maintenance on your Brompton yourself or take it to a bike shop?

Self, except for the spoke breakage. I had a bike shop re-do the whole wheel. By the way, can you offer a front hub that has more than 28 holes? All the good 349 rims have 36.

Q. If you do perform it yourself, how often do you do it?

It's tuned now, but I remember spending hours trying to get it right.

Q. What tools do you require to do the work?

Mainly different socket sizes and a crescent wrench. Hex keys as well.

Q. What is the hardest maintenance or most time consuming task?

Looks like it's going to be replacing the rear triangle hinge bolt once it becomes too loose.

Q. How often do you get a puncture?

Twice with the Brompton Green tires. I replaced them when a bulge oddly appeared in my rear tire. It was well under 300 miles total when all of this occurred.
No punctures since putting on the Marathons (in the interest of full disclosure, this is not my full-time bike anymore).

Q. What Brompton accessories do you own? E.g. front panniers

- Front folding basket
- B bag which is a terrible design if you have and extended or telescoping seat post.

I have a front pannier rack and plans to make a front pannier. The bike has a rear deck. I use
a Trail Rat II for my primary front light and a simple red blinky light for the rear. I also use an Enduro 3 bike computer on it.

Thank you, your time is appretiated.

If any body knows of any other Brompton forums would you please tell me.

Q. Which Brompton model number do you currently own? E.g. M-type... M2L-X
• M-Type...M3L

Q. How long for? Please indicate with a X...
• 6 months – 1 year

Q. What problems or breakdowns have you had with your Brompton cycle?
--Chain came off in the rear once. Also had some shifting issues after a couple of months

Q. Did you own the tools to fix these problems?
--Yes

Q. If you did, did you carry them on your bike in case of emergency break downs?
--Yes

Q. Do you perform maintenance on your Brompton yourself or take it to a bike shop?
--Self so far

Q. If you do perform it yourself, how often do you do it?
--Clean/lube the chain and check the tires once a week

Q. What tools do you require to do the work?
--Chain lube, rag, bike pump with gauge

Q. What is the hardest maintenance or most time consuming task?
--Keeping the chain clean

Q. How often do you get a puncture?
--Haven't yet

Q. What Brompton accessories do you own? E.g. front panniers
--I have the large front touring pannier

FWIW, I think it would be useful for Brompton to include some sort of light, portable, easy to use wrench for removing wheels. I mostly just rely on my Schwalbe Marathons not to puncture... *knocks on wood*